Participants at the second National Hispanic Lutheran Convention, July 19-22 in Irving, Texas, want to see more Hispanics in national-level LCMS positions. More than 200 people attended the gathering, held every three years.  It is sponsored by the Irving-based National…

If there’s a bright spot in the Synod’s statistical report for 2005, it’s that “back-door losses” — the number of adults removed from congregational rosters (not counting deaths and transfers) — have declined by 2,453 members.  That figure dropped from…

Sabbaticals for pastors I enjoy the column “Pressure Points” and consider it a very important place for dialogue and understanding in our Synod. I would like to add one more idea to the July column in which advice was given on…

By Roland Lovstad Emphasizing the need to strengthen the understanding and appreciation of the “common good” activities of the Synod, the Blue Ribbon Task Force for Funding the Mission recommends a “Stewardship Renaissance,” improved communication to congregations and their members, exploration…

Besides Katrina-devastated Biloxi and New Orleans, volunteers also are needed to assist victims of Hurricane Rita in eastern Texas, western Louisiana, and areas south and west of New Orleans. More than 52,000 homes were damaged by Rita, according to Dave…

“Every cloud has a silver lining,” the saying goes, and it seems Hurricane Katrina is no exception.  (See related story.)  Thousands of people who lived on the Gulf Coast before the storm now live further inland or in other states, which…

By Paula Schlueter Ross Volunteers still are needed to help Hurricane Katrina victims rebuild their homes — perhaps more than ever — say Lutherans involved in the effort. John Coyle, who has been directing a Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) camp…

By Kim Krull In the early 1980s, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod stepped up as the first denomination to financially commit to a new church-based housing program that dared to transform a devastated, inner-city neighborhood and turn low-income, working families into…

Registration materials are being mailed to all Synod congregations for next year’s National LCMS Youth Gathering and the first-time Adult Gathering –- both set for July 28-Aug. 1 in Orlando, Fla.  The mailing also includes a DVD to help congregations…

Dr. Elwood H. Zimmermann, president of the LCMS Indiana District from 1970 to 1988, died from liver cancer Aug. 19 at his home in Fort Wayne, Ind. The funeral service for Zimmermann, 86, was Aug. 23 at St. Paul Lutheran…

Members of the Concordia Deaconess Conference elected Deaconess Pamela Nielsen of St. Louis as the new conference president during their annual meeting June 25-28 in Florissant, Mo. Nielsen succeeds Deaconess Grace Rao of St. Louis in that office.   Conference members…

Some 400 professionals and volunteers involved in youth ministry with congregations across the Synod participated in the 2006 NATIONAL Lutheran Youth Workers Conference July 20-23 in Orlando, Fla. This was the second annual conference known as “NATIONAL” –- a project of…

LCMS World Mission -– Outreach Ministry is accepting applications for the next Harvesters For Christ training event — set for Oct. 25-29 at the St. Paul Institute for Education in Concordia, Mo. Harvesters is an Outreach Ministry program that partners…

Concordia Publishing House’s new 2006-07 catalog features more than 30 new books and other items that are now available for order. New items include: The Town that Forgot About Christmas ($14.99, item no. 56-2392S), adapted by Susan K. Leigh from…

The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS) Foundation seeks applications and nominations for the position of vice president for world mission support, made available due to a pending retirement. The position reports to the senior vice president for ministry resources development and…

The Board for University Education (BUE)/Concordia University System (CUS) is seeking nominations for an associate director, university education.  The  associate director reports to the executive director of BUE/president of CUS and is responsible for promoting improved articulation between the colleges…